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Rabies News and Information

News

View information for recent rabies activity in Oregon.

Protect yourself and your pets from batsbrown bat

Unfortunately, bats carry rabies. People can take precautions to protect themselves and their pets from bats and rabies.

Learn more about bats and rabies.

About rabies

Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that attacks an infected animal's nervous system. Typically, animals acquire rabies by eating or coming in contact with a rabid bat. The rabies strain found in the Oregon foxes is from bats. Other strains of rabies found in the U.S. (skunk and raccoon) are not found in Oregon.

Learn more about rabies.


Rabies symptoms in wildlife and where to report

Rabies symptoms in wildlife, particularly foxes, include lethargy, walking in circles, loss of muscular coordination, convulsions, irritability or aggressiveness, disorientation, excessive drooling of saliva, and showing no fear of humans. Report this type of behavior to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) hotline at 1-866-968-2600.

People should stay away from bats and not handle them. If you find a live bat, contact your local ODFW office. If your pet has contact with a bat, contact your veterinarian.


Additional Resources